This statement is FALSE.

Explanation:

• A Democracy means the government is chosen by the people through elections — it is about how leaders are chosen.
• A Republic means the head of state is an elected person (not a hereditary king) — it is about who leads the country.

Why they are different:

• A country can be a democracy but NOT a republic — Example: The United Kingdom is a democracy (people elect their government) but it is NOT a republic — Queen/King is the hereditary head of state!
• A country can theoretically be a republic but not fully democratic — if elections are not free and fair.

India is BOTH: India is a Democratic Republic — people elect their government (democracy) AND the President (head of state) is elected, not a king (republic).

Therefore, not every democracy is a republic, and not every republic is a democracy.

Decentralisation means distributing power from the central government to state governments and further to local governments (Panchayats, Municipalities).

Two important reasons why decentralisation matters for India:

1. Better governance of a large, diverse country:
India is a vast country with enormous diversity — different languages, cultures, geography, and problems in different regions. A central government in Delhi cannot understand and solve local problems as effectively as local governments can. Decentralisation allows Panchayats in villages to make decisions about local roads, water supply, and schools — people who understand the local needs best make decisions for that area.

2. Greater citizen participation in democracy:
Most Indians live in villages and towns far from state capitals or Delhi. Decentralisation through Panchayati Raj (73rd Amendment, 1992) and Municipal governance (74th Amendment) brought democracy to their doorstep. Citizens can participate in Gram Sabhas (village assemblies), vote for their Sarpanch, and directly participate in local governance — making democracy more real and meaningful for ordinary people.